Photographic apparatus and film assemblage for use therewith



United States Patent {72] Inventor Irving Erlichmann Naticlt, Mass.'[21] Appl. No. 734,310 [22] Filed June 4, 1968 [45] Patented Dec. 29,1970 [73] Assignee Polaroid Corporation Cambridge, Mass. a corporationof Delaware [54] PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS AND FILM ASSEMBLAGE FOR USETHEREWITI-I 23 Claims, 7 Drawing Flgs.

[52] US. Cl. 95/ 13, 95/22 [51] Int. Cl. G03b 17/52 [50] Field ofSearch...

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,426,664 2/ l 969 Norton95/13 Primary Examiner-John M Horan Assistant Examiner-Richard L. MosesAttorneys-Brown and Mikulka, Robert E Corb and Alfred E.

Corrigan ABSTRACT: A self-developing camera including a motor and a pairof processing rolls for use with a film assemblage including a containerwith an exposure aperture enclosing a plurality of film units stackedbehind the aperture and encompassed by an endless belt. The belt isadapted to be driven by the motor and includes an opening therein and anopaque section adapted to be moved into alignment with the exposureaperture, and members for engaging and moving an exposed film unit fromthe container into the nip of the processing rolls. The belt alsoincludes structure for controlling the operation of the motor toposition the opening in the belt in alignment with the exposure apertureto permit exposure of a film unit and to position the opaque section ofthe belt in closing relation to the exposure aperture to permit the filmassemblage to be removed from the camera without exposing a film unit.

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ATTORNEYS PHOTOGRAPI-IIC APPARATUS AND FILM ASSEMBLAGE FOR USETl-IEREWITI-I The camera of the present invention is especially designedfor use with a film assemblage including a container housing a pluralityof photosensitive elements or film units arranged in stacked relationand adapted to be exposed, in sequence, by light transmitted through anexposure aperture in a wall of the container and withdrawn therefromfollowing exposure. Subsequent to being withdrawn from the container,each film unit including, for an example, a photosensitive element and asuperposed image-receiving element, is processed by moving thesuperposed elements between a pair of juxtaposed pressureapplyingmembers, usually rolls, located within the photographic apparatusadjacent an opening in an end wall of the film container, in order todistribute a processing liquid between the superposed elements.

I-Ieretofore, the film units in self-developing cameras were withdrawnfrom the camera by either manually grasping and pulling a leader whichprotrudesfrom the camera and is attached to a film unit or by employinga pick-type device which would engage the film unit within the filmcontainer and advance it therefrom into the nip of a pair of processingrolls. With either of the above arrangements, the film assemblageincluded a light shield or dark slide in the form of a sheet of opaquematerial positioned in closing relation to the exposure aperture. Afterthe film assemblage was loaded into the camera, the light shield wasremoved from the film assemblage and discarded. If, after the userof thecamera had exposed one or more film units and he desired to change to adifferent type of film, e.g., from black-and-white to color, he couldnot do so without needlessly exposing at least the film unit locatedimmediately adjacent the exposure aperture. An object of the inventionis to provide a film assemblage including a plurality of stacked filmunits positioned within a container having an exposure aperture, saidfilm units being encompassed by an endless belt including means foropening or closing the exposure aperture and photographic apparatusespecially designed for use with said film assemblage including meansfor moving said belt to open or close said exposure aperture.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a film assemblage ofthe foregoing type means coupled with the belt for engaging and moving afilm unit into the nip of a pair of processing rolls. I

Another object of the invention is to provide in a film assemblage ofthe foregoing type control means for controlling the movement of thebelt. i

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film assemblage embodied by theinvention; 1

FIG. 2 is an elevation view, partially in section, of photographicapparatus embodying the invention, the cross section of the filmassemblage being taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a film assemblage including aswitch arrangement adapted to be employed in the photographic apparatusof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view, in section, 'of a section of thephotographic apparatus showing amodified switch arrangement adapted tobe utilized in the instant invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view, in section, of a further modified switcharrangement;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a belt for use with the switch arrangementshown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic presentation of a circuit embodied in the instantinvention.

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein is illustrated a camera 12incorporating one form of the instant invention. Camera 12, which is ofthe collapsible type, is shown in FIG. 2 in its operative or extendedposition and is com prised of a plurality of sections 14, 16, I8, 20pivotally connected to each other and which define four sides of asubstantially light-free exposure chamber 22. The other sides of theexposure chamber are closed by a pair of extensible bellows 24 (only oneof which is shown). Section 14 is provided with a support means in theform of a forward wall 26 which cooperates with a door 28 and a rearwall 30 to properly position a film assembly 32 containing a pluralityof stacked film units 34 within the camera such that an end(forwardmost) film unit is in position for exposure. Forward wall 26 isprovided with an aperture 36, similar to and in alignment with anaperture 38 of container 40, into which a lip 42 on container 40protrudes. Wall 26 has a rear surface 44 which is located substantiallyin the focal plane of the camera. Wall 30 may be provided with suitablemeans, e.g., a spring or an elastomeric pad, for urging the container 40towards forward wall 26. Section 20 is provided with a conventional lensand shutter assembly, the latter preferably being of the automatic type,for exposing a film unit 34 positioned for exposure within the camerahousing. An interior wall of section 16 is provided with a substantiallyplanar mirror for reflecting light from the lens towards a film unitpositioned for exposure in section I4.

The camera includes a pair of pressure-applying members or rolls 46, 48mounted in juxtaposition within section 14 and a motor 50 for drivingthe rolls mounted in section 20. The rolls 46, 48 are adapted toreceive. a-film unit, subsequent to exposure, in their bite and applysufficient pressure to break a pod of processing liquid and evenlydistribute the processing liquid between the sheets comprising the filmunit to produce a positive photographic print while simultaneouslyadvancing the film unit through the camera. For a more detaileddescription of other features of the camera, reference is made to thecopending U.S. Pat. application of Land et al. Ser. No. 655,850, filedJul. 25, 1967.

Positioned within container 40 are a plurality of stacked film units 34,only two of which are shown, having photosensitive surfaces facingexposure aperture 38. Film units 34 are preferably of the type shown anddescribed in detail in the U.S. Pat. application of Edwin H. Land, Ser.No, 622,287 and Edwin H. Land et al. Ser. No. 622,286, both filed Mar.10, i967. Film units of this type each incorporates all of the materialsnecessary to produce a positive photographic print including aphotosensitive element 52, a second or imagereceiving element 54 whichis transparent and is secured in face-to-face relation with thephotosensitive element, and a rupturable pod 56 of processing liquidsecured to one end of the photosensitive and second elements fordispensing its liquid contents therebetween in response to theapplication of compressive pressure to the pod 56. Each film unit isadapted to be processed by advancing the film unit, pod 56 foremost,between a pair of pressure-applying members 46, 48 which dispense theliquid contents of the pod therefrom between the photosensitive andsecond elements and spread the liquid between and in contact with thetwo elements toward the trailing end thereof.

The image-forming process is well known in the art and involves theformation of an imagewise distribution of transferably image-formingsubstances in the exposed photosensitive element and diffusion of theimage-forming substances to another layer within the film unit wherethey form a visible, positive image. As described in the aforementionedapplications, the processing liquid includes an opacifying agent whichis spread in a layer between the photosensitive element (which ispreferably opaque to actinic light), and the transparent image-receivingelement 54 for providing a background for the positive transfer imageand masking any image formed in the photosensitive element.

Camera size can be reduced and a higher degree of compactness achievedby eliminating the necessity for a processing or imbibition chamber inthe camera into which the film unit is advanced and retained in alight-free environment during image formation. Accordingly, the filmunit is designed to be advanced from the camera into the lightimmediately after the processing liquid is distributed within the filmunit which means that spreading of the processing liquid must beeffective to prevent further exposure of the photosensitive elementsalmost immediately as it (liquid spreading) occurs. The opacifying agentin the processing liquid functions to prevent exposure of thephotosensitive element to light transmitted by the transparent secondelement 46 during processing outside the camera.

In addition to the film units 34 and the container 40, the filmassemblage 32 is comprised ofa support member 60, a pressure plate 62and an endless belt 64. As shown in FIG. 3, container 40 is comprised ofa front section 66 and a rear section 68. Front section 66 includes afront wall 70 having an exposure aperture or light-transmitting section38 therein and an opening 72, the function of which will be explainedhereinafter. Depending from wall 70 on three sides thereof is a flange74. Section 68 includes a rear wall 76 having flange member 78 extendingtherefrom on three sides thereof at a right angle to the wall 76. Thefourth side of wall 76 is provided with an upwardly extending flange 80which terminates at a lip 82. Front section 66 is dimensioned to haveits flange 74 nest within and closely adjacent to flange 78 of rearmember 68. In this nested position lip- 82 cooperates with the adjacentportion of wall 70 to define an opening 85 through which the film unitsare advanced subsequent to exposure. As can be seen in FIG. 2, opening85 is provided with an appropriate light seal 87.

Support member 60 is formed from a single piece of material e.g.,plastic or sheet metal, and includes a support surface 84 havingupturned end sections 86 and a plurality of integral biasing means 94adapted to contact and urge pressure plate 62 into contact with therearwardmost film unit in the stack for urging the film units 34 towardthe exposure aperture 38. The ends of sections 86 are bent or formed atright angles to section 86 to form a pair of ears 88 for suitablerotatably supporting rolls 90, 92. Roll 90 is provided at one end with asprocket 96 and a gear 98 for rotating sprocket 96, the sprocket andgear being positioned on opposite sides of one of the ears 88.

Belt 64, which may be formed from any suitable pliable opaque material,e.g., paper or vinyl plastic, includes an opaque section 100 and anopening 102 therein. Opening 102 is bounded on two sides by strips 104each of which has attached to its interior surface a flexible tab 106for engaging a film unit as will be explained hereinafter. Opaquesection 100 is provided with elongated slots 108, 110. Slots 108, 110allow the belt to move between a first position in which opening 102 isin register with the light-transmitting area 38 of container 40 and asecond position wherein the opaque section 100 is in register with thelight-transmitting area so as to prevent the passage of lighttherethrough despite the presence of a pin 170 for preventing theforwardmost film unit from being advanced from the film assemblage. Oneof the sides of the belt is provided with a series of openings 112 whichcooperate with the teeth of sprocket 96 to drive the belt 64 in acounterclockwise manner (as viewed in FIG. 2).

Each of the smooth cylindrical rolls 46, 48 is provided at one endthereof with a gear 116, said gears 116 being meshed with each other toprovide for simultaneous rotation and similar velocity of rolls 46, 48.At least one of the gears 116 is suitably coupled with a source ofpower, e.g., motor 50, for

imparting rotation to rolls 46, 48. Roll 48 is in turn drivingly coupledto gear 98 via transmission means in the form of an idler gear 118 forimparting rotation to sprocket wheel 96 to drive belt 64 in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2. Belt 64 continues torotate in a counterclockwise direction until resilient tab 106 engages atab 120 fixedly attached to film unit 34 near its leading edge.Engagement of tabs 106, 120 with each other and continued rotation ofthe belt 64 will move the forwardmost film unit 34 towards opening 85and the nip of rolls 46, 48. It will be noted that edge portion 122 ofbelt 64 has moved to a position wherein it has passed at least partiallyaround roll before tab 106 engages tab on film unit 34. It will also benoted that the length of opening 102 as measured in the direction ofmovement of the belt is less than the length of the film units and thatthe width olthe film unit is slightly less than the width of opening 102so as to allow the film unit to exit from the container 40 via passingthrough opening 102 in belt 64 and opening or slot 85 in container 40.The ratio between gears 116, I18, 98 and sprocket 96 is such that rolls46, 48 withdraw the film unit from the film assemblage at a greaterlinear rate than the belt to insure that the trailing edge of the filmunit passes through opening 102 prior to edge 123 of belt 64 passingaround roll 90.

In order to insure that the opening 102 of belt 64 is in register withthe light-transmitting section 38 of container 40 when it is desired toexpose the forwardmost film unit, an electrical circuit similar to thatshown in FIG. 7 is provided. Battery 114, which is suitably locatedinthe camera, is connected to motor 50 via lines 130, 132 and 134. Line132 is provided with a normally open switch 136 which is momentarilyclosed by actuating the camera's shutter assembly; and line 134 isprovided with a normally open switch 138 which is moved to the closedposition in response to closing of the door 28 of the camera or by anyother suitable means which is adapted to be actuated subsequent to afilm assemblage being positioned within the camera. Connected inparallel with line 132 is a line 140 which terminates in a single-poledouble-throw switch 142 having an actuating member 144 which isaccessible from the exterior of the camera. Switch 142, which isnormally connected with line 146 when the film assemblage is positionedwithin the camera, is adapted to direct a flow of current to motor 50via either lines 146, 148, 150, 152, 134 and switch 138 or via lines154, 156, 152, 134 and switch 138. Line 146, 148 includes a normallyopen switch 158 and line 154, 156 a normally open switch 160. Switches158 and 160 which may be mounted in rear section 76 arebiased to an openposition by any suitable means and are adapted to be opened and closedby motor controls associated with belt 64.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, belt 64 is provided with motor controls in theform of apertures 162 and 164. Aperture 162 is located adjacent the sideedge of the belt while switch 164 is located further inboard, i.e.,closer to opening 102. Aperture 162 is bisected by a vertical plane (asviewed in FIG. 3) passing through switch 158 while aperture 164 isbisected by a vertical plane passing through switch 160.

As should be apparent from'FIG; 3, the film assemblage is assembled byencircling support member 60, pressure plate 62 and film units 34 withbelt 64 such that opening 102 in belt 64 is located underneath supportmember 60 and apertures 112 are operatively engaged by the teeth ofsprocket 96. The thus assembled members are then enclosed by forward andrear sections 66, 68, respectively, and the assemblage subsequentlyplaced in the camera 12. By properly positioning the film assemblagewithin the camera, idler gear 118 is brought into engagement with gear98 via opening 111 in wall 80 of rear sec tion 68 while simultaneouslyline 140 is connected to line 146 via switch 142. Ear 88, which islocated adjacent gear 98, is positioned closely adjacent wall 80 andcooperates with a shield 89 which extends to a position closely adjacentflange 74 to prevent any light entering opening 111 from exposing one ofthe film units. As can be seen in FIG. 1, actuating member 144 ispivotally coupled with a contact arm for movement into contact witheither electrical contact 147 or to electrically connect line 140 witheither line 146 or 154 respectively. A third contact 153 connected toline 152 is provided on wall 80 of rear section 78 for directing theflow of current from line 152 to the motor. In this latter position,i.e., with opening 102 positioned below the film units, neither of theapertures 162, 164 is located directly above its respective switch 158,thereby resulting in the belt, which is in contact with the movableportion of the switches 158, 160, maintaining the switches in a closedposition. The door 28 is now closed thereby closing switch 138 oralternatively the door 28 may be closed and a manually operated switchadapted to be actuated subsequent to the closing of the door is utilizedto close switch 138. Closing of switch 138 completes a circuit throughmotor 50 thereby causing rolls 46, 48 to rotate and belt 64 to move in acounterclockwise direction as mentioned heretofore. The completedcircuit would be 130, 140, 142, 146, 158, 148, 150, 152, 134, 138 andmotor 50. Belt 64 continues to move until the opening 102 of belt 64 isin register with the light-transmitting section 38 of. container 40. Atthis point aperture 162 in belt 64 is located immediately above switch158. Switch 158, whichas'mentioned previously, is biased to the openposition, has a raised portion 159 which usually contacts belt 64. Whenaperture 162 is located above raised portion 159, it (the raisedportion) enters the aperture due to its tendency to assume an openposition thereby opening switch 158 to stop motor 50, rolls 46, 48 andbelt 64. This is the position shown in FIG. 2.

With opening 102 and light-transmitting section 38 in register theforwardmost film unit 34 maynow be exposed. Actuation of the shuttermechanism operates the shutter and momentarily closes switch 136 toenergize motor 50. Motor 50 drives belt 64 a sufficient distance toallow aperture 162 to move to a position wherein the raised portion 159contacts the material of the belt and is moved to a closed positionSwitch 136 is then automatically moved to itsnormally open position,but, since switch 158 is now being held in a closed position, motor 50continues to drive rolls 46, 48 and belt 64. Belt 64 will move in acounterclockwise manner (as viewed in FIG. 2) until resilient tab 106 onbelt 64 engages tab 120 on the forwardmost film unit 34. Continuedrotation of belt 64 will now advance the film unit towards the bite ofrolls 46, 48. Subsequent to the edge portion 122 of belt 64 passingpartially around roll 90, the leading edge of the film unit is directedthrough opening 102 in belt 64. Tabs 106 continue to advance the filmunit through the opening 102 until the leading edge of the film unit isengaged by the rolls 46, 48. As mentioned heretofore, rolls 46, 48advance the film unit at a greater linear rate than belt 64 therebyinsuring that the film unit 34 will be advanced through the opening 102before the edge 123 of belt 64 comes in contact with roll 90. Duringthis movement, aperture 164 in belt 64 is moved to a position wherein itis located directly above switch 160. Switch 160 includes a raisedportion 161 which protrudes into the aperture 164 thereby allowingswitch 160 to assume an open position. However, since switch 142 isdirecting current solely through line 146 at this time, opening andclosing of switch 160 has no effect upon the operation of motor 50,rolls 46, 48 and belt 64. Belt 64 continues to be advanced untilaperture 162 has been rotated through 360, i.e., it has returned to itsoriginal position located immediately above raised portion 159 on switch158 to allow switch 158 to assume an open position thereby stoppingmotor 50, rolls 46,48 and belt 64.

If it should be desired to change'the type of film units being utilizedin the camera at the present time, for example, from black-and-white tocolor, means are provided for removing the film assemblage 32 from thecamera without inadvertently exposing the forwardmost film unit.Switch-actuating member 144 is moved to the left as viewed in FIG. I torotate arm 145 to a position wherein it contacts contact area 155. Inthis position line 140 which is attached to arm 145 directs current frompower source 114 to switch 160 via line 154. Movement of actuatingmember 144 to the left also moves a pin 170 into hole 72 of container 40wherein it is located adjacent to and in the path of travel of theforwardmost film unit 34. Hole 72 is provided with a suitable lightshield, e.g., a circular piece of plastic having radially extendingslits therein which start at the center of the piece and terminate justshort of the peripheral edge of the piece. Since switch 160 at this timeis being maintained in a closed position due to its contact with thematerial of belt 64, motor 50 is actuated to drive rolls 46, 48 and belt64. Belt 64 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2until resilient tab 106 on belt 64 contacts tab120 on film unit 34.Engagement of tab 120 by tab 106 would normally cause the forwardmostfilm unit to be advanced to the left towards the rolls 46, 48. However,movement of the film unit 34 is now precluded due to the positioning ofpin 170 in the path of travel of the film unit from the container. Belt64 continues to rotate and tab 106 disengages itself from tab 120 due tothe resiliency of tab 106. The belt 64 continues to be advanced by motor50 until aperture 164 on belt 64 is located immediately above switch160. In this latter position, raised portion 161 of switch 160 extendsinto aperture 164 to open switch 160 thereby stopping the operation ofmotor 50, rolls 46, 48 and belt 64. In this position the opaque section100 of belt 64 is in register with the light-transmitting section 38 ofcontainer 40 so as to prevent the passage of light therethrough. Door 28of camera 12 may now be opened, the film assemblage 32 removed therefromand another film assemblage substituted therefore.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the switching arrangement shown in FIGS.l-3. In this embodiment, the switch 158 is mounted on the rear wall ofcamera 12. Rear section 76 of film container is provided with anaperture 180 and belt 64 is provided with an aperture 132. When a filmassemblage is initially positioned within camera 12, raised portion 159of switch 158 is maintained in a closed position by belt 64 until suchtime as aperture 182 in belt 64 is superposed over aperture in rearsection 76. Switch 160 is provided with a similar arrangement.

In FIG. 5 a still further modification of a switching arrangement isshown. Herein, the switch 158 is replaced by a pair of pins 190, 192mounted on wall 30 of camera 12. Pins 190, 192 are adapted to protrudethrough an opening 194 in the rear wall 76 of film container 40. Belt 64is provided with a strip of any suitable conducting material 196 whichextends in the direction of movement of belt 64 throughout the length ofbelt 64 except for a portion 198 of the belt normally occupied byaperture 164. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a flow of current from pin topin 192 is possible only when the conducting material 196 is in contactwith both pins 190 and 192. In the position shown in FIG. 5, the opening102 of belt 64 is in register with the light-transmitting section 38 ofcontainer 40. A second set of pins (not shown) are provided in place ofswitch 160 and the belt 64 is provided with a second strip of conductingmaterial 200 having an opening (not shown) therein which would norm allybe occupied by aperture 162.

Although the invention has been disclosed as being incorporated with anelectrically driven motor, it should be obvious that other power meanssuch as a spring wound motor could be substituted for the electricmotor. The spring wound motor could be controlled by an escapement typedevice wherein instead of the apertures 162, 164 operating switches 158,160 to control the flow of current through the motor, the aperturescould move the pawl of the escapement type device into the ratchet tostop the motor. Also, the sprocket drive 96 for the belt and gear 98could be replaced by substituting a gear for sprocket 96 and placing theteeth thereof in engagement with the teeth of gear 118.1n this manner,belt 64 would be wedged between the teeth of the two gears when the filmassemblage is inserted into the camera. With this construction the widthof the film pack would be reduced by the thickness of gear 98. Needlessto say, the shape of the teeth must be such that they would not damagethe belt.

It should also be noted that opening 38 in forward section 66 could bereplaced by a transparent section such as clear plastic.

From the foregoing it is apparent that there has been disclosed a novelapparatus for automatically advancing a film unit, subsequent toexposure, from a film assemblage into the bite of an advancing meanswhereat the film unit is processed and advanced simultaneously.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

lclaim:

l. Photographic apparatus for usewith a film assemblage of the typeincluding a container having a light-transmitting area and an elongatedslot, said container housing a plurality of film units in stackedrelation with the photosensitive surface of the foremost film unitpositioned adjacent said light-transmitting area and an end of saidforemost film unit being positioned adjacent said slot, said film unitsbeing encompassed by a belt having an opaque section and an openingtherein and means coupled with said belt for engaging and partiallymoving a film unit through said opening and said slot. said apparatuscomprising, in combination:

advancement means for engaging and advancing a film unit exterior ofafilm assemblage;

means for positioning a container of film units having an end wall withthe elongated slot' therein adjacent said advancement means; a motorcoupled with said advancement means for driving the latter to advance afilm unit exterior said container;

transmission means for coupling said motor to the belt of said filmassemblage for advancing said film unit into engagement with saidadvancement means and for moving said belt between a first position inwhich an opening in said belt is in register with the light-transmittingarea so as to allow light to be transmitted therethrough, and a secondposition wherein an opaque section of said belt is in register with saidlight-transmitting area to prevent the passage of light therethrough andback to said first position; and

first control means for controlling the operation of said motorpositioned to be engaged by motor controls associated with said belt.

2. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including secondcontrol means positioned to be engaged by said motor controls forenergizing said motor to move said belt from said first position to saidsecond position.

3. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 including means forinitiating movement of said belt.

4. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 3 further includingselector means for selectively connecting either of said first or secondcontrol means with a source of electrical power.

5. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 4 further including stopmeans movable into engagement with one of said film units for preventingthe withdrawal of said one film unit from said container when saidselector means connects said second control means with said source ofpower.

6. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 4 further includingnormally open switch means connected in series with said first andsecond control means for preventing a fiow of current through said motorand'means for closing said switch means to enable either said first orsecond control means to conduct a flow of current from said source ofpower to said motor.

7. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidtransmission means includes means for moving said film unit from saidcontainer towards said advancement means at a slower linear rate thanthe film unit is advanced by said advancement means.

8. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination:

a plurality of film units;

a container housing said film units, said container having a wallincluding a light-transmitting area for admitting light into saidcontainer to expose said film units and an elongated slot in one end ofsaid container through which said film units are adapted to be advancedindividually;

a belt within said container encompassing said film units, said beltincluding an opening, a light opaque section and film-engaging means forengaging and partially moving one of said film units through saidopening and said slot; and

means supporting said belt for movement between a first position whereinsaid opening is in register with said light- 8 transmitting area toallow light to be transmitted therethrough for exposing one of said filmunits. and a second position in which said light opaque section is inregister with said light-transmitting area so as to prevent the passageoflight therethrough.

9. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 including meansfor coupling said belt with an external motor for driving said belt.

10 A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 9 wherein saidbelt includes control means for controlling the operation of saidexternal motor.

11. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 9 wherein saidexternal motor is an electric motor and said belt includes control meansfor controlling the operation of said external motor, a first pair ofnormally open electrical contacts adapted to be connected. between saidmotor and a power supply for said motor, said control means beingadapted to maintain said contacts in a conducting condition duringmovement of said belt from said second position towards said firstposition and to cause said first pair of contacts to assume anonconducting condition when said belt is in said first position.

12. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim ll furtherincluding a second pair of normally open contacts connected in parallelwith said first pair of contacts and adapted to be connected betweensaid electric motor and said power supply, said control meansbeingadapted to maintain said second pair of contacts in a conductingcondition during movement of said belt from said first position to saidsecond position and to cause said second pair of contacts to assume anonconducting condition when said belt is in said second position.

13. A photographic assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein saidcontainer includes a wall positioned adjacent a portion of said belt,said wall having at least one aperture therein for receivingtherethrough switch means connected between a source of power and saidexternal motor and adapted to engage said control means on said belt forcontrolling the operation of said external motor.

14. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 furtherincluding a first pair of normally open contacts adapted to be connectedbetween an electric motor and a power supply for said motor, saidcontrol means including means for conductively bridging said first pairof contacts as said belt moves from said second position towards saidfirst position.

15. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 14 furtherincluding a second set of normally open contacts connected in parallelwith said first set of contacts and adapted to be connected between saidmotor and said power supply, said control means including means forconductively bridging said second set of contacts as said belt movesfrom said first position towards said second position.

16. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 wherein thewidth of said opening is greater than the width of said film units.

17. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 wherein thelength of said opening as measured in the direction of movement of saidbelt is less than the length of said film units.

18. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 wherein saidengagement means include a resilient engagement member for engaging saidone film unit.

19. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 wherein saidmeans for supporting said belt includes a sprocket having projectionsfor engaging openings in one edge of said belt and means for couplingsaid sprocket with drive means in apparatus with which said assemblageis adapted to be employed.

20. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 8 includingswitch means connected to a source of power for controlling theoperation of a motor for'driving said belt and control means on saidbelt for actuating said switch means to con- 23. A photographic filmassemblage as defined in claim 8 wherein said container includes asecond opening, said second opening being adapted to position stop meansin the path of travel of the film unit located closest said wall towardssaid slot for preventing the movement of the said film unit by saidengagement means as said beltmoves from said first position toward saidsecond position.

